REIMAGINE
EQUALITY
FORWARD MOVEMENT
We believe that the world of investment finance has to be reimagined globally. We plan to empower women to help level the playing field, drive progressive change, whilst still delivering outstanding outcomes. We hope not only to show that a better way is possible but inspire others to follow.
Enygma Ventures
Sarah Dusek - Co-founder & General Partner
Sarah Dusek is Co-Founder of Under Canvas; the leading US adventure-hospitality company offering luxurious glamping accommodations just minutes from America’s most popular and iconic national parks. In 2017, under Sarah’s leadership Under Canvas received a spot on the coveted Inc. 5000 list and Sarah was named to the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women list from Ernst & Young. Under Canvas has set an unprecedented new standard in ecological development while also re-defining experiential hospitality in a meaningful way.
Sarah believes passionately in empowering women to reach their full potential and enabling them to grow in their leadership. This commitment extends to her broader mission to help grow scalable, sustainable businesses that have the power to transform communities, cities and nations. 2019 marks the launch of Enygma Ventures, a private investment fund focused on investing in women-led businesses in Southern Africa.
Jacob Dusek – Co-founder & General Partner
Jacob Dusek is Co-Founder of Under Canvas; the leading US adventure-hospitality company. Jacob’s award winning work on sustainability and design has elevated Under Canvas to be the US leader for pioneering hotels. In 2018 Jacob was awarded the Hospitality Design Award for most Sustainable Hotel design. Jacob’s commitment to pioneering water and power minimization solutions in commercial settings has earned Under Canvas global recognition whilst creating a brand that was inspired by a love of nature and the outdoors.
Jacob believes passionately in disrupting traditional, outdated and hierarchical methods of financing businesses. Recognizing the need for a revolution Jacob was keen to lead the charge to create meaningful solutions for some of the world’s biggest problems. 2019 marks the launch of Enygma Ventures, a private investment fund focused on investing in women-led businesses in Southern Africa.
Operating Partner
Southern Africa Region
As the local partner of Enygma Ventures, The Africa Trust Group (ATG) is committed to bridging the gender gap in access to finance for early-stage women entrepreneurs in the SADC region by providing them with the holistic support they require to become investor-ready. Their programs include entrepreneur master-classes, business coaching and customized acceleration.
Lelemba Phiri - Principal
Lelemba Phiri is an award-winning educator, writer, keynote speaker and gender-lens angel investor. She is the Principal at the Africa Trust Group that takes a holistic approach to investing in early stage women. She is also a director and shareholder for Zoona, an African mobile payments business.
Lelemba is passionate about women leadership and entrepreneurship development in Africa and has committed her life’s work to advancing equality and empowerment for women. She was a key part of a team that raised over $30m in financing and created over 5000 job opportunities for women and youth. Her work experience spans South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Angola, in both private and public sector.
She is currently studying towards a PhD and holds a Masters Degree in Development Finance. Her awards include being named one of Africa’s most influential women in business in 2014; one of fifty most promising social entrepreneurs globally in 2016 and; one of fifty change-makers advancing gender equality in South Africa in 2017.
Sandras Phiri - Director of Entrepreneurship Programs
Sandras Phiri is the CEO and co-founder of Africa Trust Academy (ATA), a coaching and consulting company focused on leadership and entrepreneurship development and financial literacy. He is also the country director for Startup Grind (South Africa), the largest and most diverse entrepreneur network globally. He has over 15 years’ experience in education and coaching as well as in management in the financial and IT sectors.
Sandras is an avid entrepreneur that prior to co-founding ATA, had set up two very successful companies in tech and entertainment. He has spoken on various platforms in Silicon Valley USA, Oxford UK, South Africa, Bali, Malawi and Zambia including engagements with the African Union and several companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.